Gary Player to Design New Course in South Africa


In a press briefing at ArabellaStarwood South Africa's Western Cape Hotel & Spa last week, it was announced that Gary Player has been retained to re-design Arabella Golf Club's championship golf course.

"As the host of the Nelson Mandela Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, which has been held at Arabella since 2003, Gary Player has gained an intimate knowledge of our course over the past four years. His wealth of experience as a champion professional and golf-course designer worldwide makes him the best person to help us to perfect what is already ranked as one of the finest courses in the country," said ArabellaStarwood's area manager Heinz Grub. "We believe that with Gary Player's input, we can continue to set the benchmark in the Western Cape and affirm Arabella Country Estate's position as a premier destination for golf tourists from South Africa and around the world."

"I am delighted to be involved with the re-design of Arabella's course and look forward to adding our input in every one of the 18 holes that make up this course in this uniquely beautiful setting," said Player. "I have so enjoyed coming here each year that we have played the Nelson Mandela Invitational here. Furthermore, as the tournament host, I am very pleased to announce that the Nelson Mandela Invitational will be held here for the next three years at what has become South Africa's premier golf charity event's home."

Work will begin immediately on the re-design of Arabella's existing course, with the objective of causing a minimum of disruption to the playability of the course.